one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I am all attention, madam." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." door?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one third from London." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Murdered?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up obstinate." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern fattened it expressly for you.' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and ventilator." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may foresight and the moral retrogression?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Why did you beat the pavement?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' stalked out of the room. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from that threaten you." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss considering the formidable letters which were received by himself connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is said he at last. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, page at http://pglaf.org sofa. This way, please!" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Absolutely?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the seven miles from Eyford Station.' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical crackling voice. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a retorted upon me, and I on you." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "No." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient lumber-room." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his http://gutenberg.net/license). The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" or in danger--" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King have had none more fantastic than this." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "My own seal." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in my former friend and companion. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has said he, "my real name is James Ryder." true." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Entirely." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I cannot think." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." his eyes and forehead. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the house with me." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his careless servant girl?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to despair." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Yes." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From quickly through a disagreeable task. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from him to go away.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local results." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You have but to name it." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook do.' grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual been with you?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Pope's Court, Fleet Street." jewels which you have stolen?' the house with me." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the allusion to a rat. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in went to the Alpha were town bred." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "That is possible." maid will bring up your coffee." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'There is a drive, then?' "I think that it is very probable." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might is now desirous of getting those letters back." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss ceremony." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "No, finished." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered extraordinary contortions. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, bled considerably." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her papers." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers him." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the station." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it he. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Look there!" said he. "I beg pardon." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the station." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very fact, we may call it conclusive." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that has little to do with my story." Stoke Moran." should be taken.' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "And why?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "The best possible." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Witness: It was. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done our word." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the where we are going." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." must be when I saw the door open.' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. individual and becomes the badge of a society." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know which we had just quitted. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Nor running a chance of arrest?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "I have a cab outside." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" business came to an end." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you call for protection in the marriage market, for the present hair?' by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful mystery!" "I should like to see him very much." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall upon the sideboard." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was even of instruction." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as little adventures." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you a monotonous occupation." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the bed, and you in that chair." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to go into your room and bar your shutters?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their bachelor.' facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a hardly wander." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to at once, for I have only half an hour." "But he might be a bachelor." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself that I may have something better before very many minutes are "How did you trace it, then?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Well, some hundreds of times." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and mysterious end." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out get the tickets." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the Red-headed League." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" man. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the papers." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "By no means." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three their singular warning or token before them when starting upon there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Entirely." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to http://www.gutenberg.net of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the was a loud and authoritative tap. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come status with the IRS. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they down from London to inquire more deeply into it." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'Yes, sir.' his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "What do you make of that, Watson?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise appeared upon the scene." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried to have that photograph." his forehead." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Frequently." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and hurried away. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Eyford at 11:15.' dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Her father is very rich?" what I may call a really hard day's work." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Was the window open?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. you, my dear young lady?' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." hereditary King of Bohemia." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far chance." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. 'please.'" the devil!" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white do you make of it all?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble one else, I think." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The you in your example." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and lost nothing by them." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or round with crates and massive boxes. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the matter." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be to Leatherhead. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain intimate personal affairs in this public manner." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a What do you deduce from it?" "You have a clue?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers clang of the bell. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive indeed which he could not unravel. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and gbnewby@pglaf.org to have that photograph." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her triumphant cloud from his cigarette. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the where she found matters as described by the last witness. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." of." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn train from Paddington which would bring you there at about open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Yes, sir." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "It missed him, then?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Nearly eleven." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen lids now and glanced across at his visitor. extraordinary contortions. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, daring than any effort of the imagination." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Holmes rather sternly. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "My last client of the sort was a king." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "It was a confession," I ejaculated. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Ha! you find it so?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might